WAY #2: SPEAK THE TRUTH WITH LOVE

 
SPEAK THE TRUTH WITH LOVE. Speak honestly and directly in a way that clearly reflects love and support for one another. Be courageous enough to say what needs to be said, even when it’s difficult. Address issues directly with those who are involved or affected; speak to, not about, others.
 
a  Let everything you say be good and helpful, so that your words will be an encouragement to those who hear them. (Ephesians 4: 29)
 
b  Get rid of all bitterness, rage, anger, harsh words, and slander, as well as all types of evil behavior. (Ephesians 4: 31)
 
c  Instead, we will speak the truth in love, growing in every way more and more like Christ, who is the head of his body, the church (Ephesians 4: 15)
 
Ideas for Action: Is there a difficult conversation you’ve been delaying? Is there someone you’ve been talking about instead of being direct? Pray for courage and grace to have the conversation, in person, if possible.

 

Daily Devotionals

 
MONDAY:

Ephesians 4:15-16

THINK: To show his care and concern for them, Jesus welcomed His disciples into the home not only offering them water to wash but by washing their feet himself. Jesus, being in very nature God, humbled himself to the point of washing the dusty and sweaty feet of his disciples. When you set out to Be Third, you will find that actions that seem beneath, you will become second nature.
THINK: You are not who you were. You are a new creation in Jesus and that should mean something. New creation doesn’t mean “subtly different”; it means utterly new. It’s easy to smile and lie in church because we want to be nice, but that nice lie is the old you, the old us. It is truth that hones us and that forms us into a group that reflects Jesus’ love and goodness.
PRAY: the Spirit would reveal to you places where you cling to the old self.

WEDNESDAY:

Ephesians 4:29-30

THINK: We are one body in Jesus and are indwelt by one Spirit. Truth is not a clever guise for divisiveness. How many hurtful statements have been followed by “I’m just telling the truth.” Search your heart. Is your honesty simply bitterness, frustration, or slander in disguise? We are one Church. Don’t let “telling the truth” be your excuse to grieve the Holy Spirit.
PRAY: Take a moment to ask forgiveness of times when you have spoken the truth with anger.

THURSDAY:

THINK: Scripture is quite clear: talk TO the person you believe is sinning, talk to the person who hurt you, talk TO the person who you think is leading the church in the wrong direction… When are you allowed to talk ABOUT them? After you have talked TO them, and only to one other person with the goal that you both talk TO them. The Spirit works when we talk together.
PRAY: for a person who you have talked about but not to.

FRIDAY:

THINK: In the middle of the most famous passage on love, we read that it rejoices with the truth. How well does it show love when we let a problem fester or when we let a person persist in sin? No one is pretending loving like this is easy. It’s hard to speak directly to one another and even harder to do it in love.
PRAY: that God would help you rejoice with the truth.

SATURDAY:

Matthew 22:8-10

THINK: At the end of all things, we are gathered together at the feast of the Lord. We will be brought into his presence and sit at his table. Isn’t it strange then when Christians leave conflict unresolved or purposefully hurt each other? What is the plan for the feast? Sit at the other end of the table? We live in anticipation of being gathered together. Practice now speaking the truth with love.
PRAY: that God would make you hopeful for the feast.

Devotional Guides

SERIES ONE  Printable copy of Way #2 Devotionals (Small Group Guide)
 
SERIES TWO Printable copy of Way #2 Devotionals (Series Two)